What Causes Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a spine condition that results when one of the vertebra slips forward or backward when compared to the vertebra adjacent to it.

Depending on the type of spondylolisthesis, there are a number of different possible causes:

vertebrae causing spondylolisthesis
  • Dysplatic spondylolisthesis: A congenital condition caused by a defect in the formation of part of the vertebra called the facet that allows it to slip forward.
  • Isthmic spondylolisthesis: A defect and slip that exists in a portion of the vertebra called the pars interarticularis. (If there is a defect without a slip the condition is called spondylolysis.) Isthmic spondylolisthesis can be caused by repetitive trauma and is more common in athletes exposed to hyper-extension motions including gymnasts and football linemen.
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis: More common in older patients, degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs due to arthritic changes in the joints of the vertebrae due to cartilage degeneration.
  • Traumatic spondylolisthesis: Caused by direct trauma or injury to the vertebrae, such as a fracture of the pedicle, lamina or facet joints that allows the front portion of the vertebra to slip forward with respect to the back portion of the vertebra.
  • Pathologic spondylolisthesis: Caused by abnormal bone, such as from a tumor.

Risk Factors & Causes of Spondylolisthesis

  • Family history of back problems
  • Previous back surgery
  • Congenital
  • Accident or trauma
  • Infection
  • Arthritis

The Bonati Spine Institute encourages patients with spondylolisthesis to contact us to request a no-obligation MRI review or discuss your conditions with our medical professionals. Find out why The Bonati Spine Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions when it comes to advanced spine surgery. Your pain from spondylolisthesis can become a thing of the past.